Upland council postpones budget, ratifies appointments

UPLAND -- The City Council approved a resolution continuing funding for the fiscal year ending June 30 until the budget for fiscal year 2013-14 is ready.

"This is being asked for because the budget is not ready to be presented. I'm hoping to present it by July 9," City Manager Stephen Dunn said. By law a city is authorized to spend money from July 1 to June 30, but city officials need additional time to finalize budgets, he said.

The council approved two other matters concerning the budget, including an agreement to loan the general fund $923,000 from the city's water fund.

When the council approved the 2012-13 fiscal year budget, they authorized a $1.1 million loan from the water fund to cover litigation costs related to the San Bernardino County Flood Control lawsuit.

The lawsuit ended in April, costing the city $662,611.

Additionally, the city incurred $260,389 resulting from the conclusion of a lawsuit filed against the city by former City Manager Robb Quincey.

Payments of $92,300 will be made on July 1 annually from the general fund, Dunn said.

The City Council ratified two committee appointments, including one by Councilwoman Debbie Stone to place Fred O'Malley on the City Council Advisory Committee to replace longtime city critic Hal Tanner.

Tanner resigned from the committee in May because he said believed the city did not have open government or a meaningful code of ethics.

"I made my commitment to you that I will work really hard and spend as much time as needed and come back to you with good advice when you ask for it," O'Malley said.